Meet Calistenes Fuguet Duran

We recently connected with Calistenes Fuguet Duran and have shared our conversation below.

Calistenes , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

“What happens when the thing you love the most starts to feel like a lie?” If the only version of acting I had ever known was one I created to give myself temporary reassurance of a false sense of authenticity, was it ever truly mine to begin with? What if the real version of the thing I loved—the one I had feared my entire life—was something I had been avoiding? I had been masking myself, hiding behind performances, never realizing that I wasn’t just acting on stage—I was acting in my own life. But over time, with the realization that this was a challenge I had to overcome, I realized that this was exactly why acting is my true purpose.

Ever since I was little, I jumped at any chance to be on stage—whether it was for school presentations, karaoke, or family gatherings, I was always performing for an audience. The most rewarding part of these experiences was the applause. It reassured me that what I was doing was good, that what I was doing was right. Little did I know, this desire for attention would later lead me down a darker path. Later on, discovering that performing could be done at an international level, it absolutely blew my mind! Doing the simple thing that brought me so much enjoyment and receiving ten fold the validation that continuously brought me joy, it became all I ever wanted.

While I loved the stage, I never connected with the idea of being just a singer. I sought a form of performing that was as rewarding but structured differently, combining elements of singing and storytelling all at once. Eventually, I found musical theatre. My first show in sixth grade changed my life. It offered a new way to command attention—by channeling parts of myself into fictional characters that reflect humanity and can change the lives of others. At least, that’s what every actor would probably tell you if asked as to why they might enjoy acting. That’s not what I was thinking when I did my first show. All I cared about was if I could do something funny or sing well, and the audience cheered, I was succeeding. I didn’t really care about the honesty of a performance, as long as I got a positive reaction.

Beyond the validation of applause, I started to realize that my need for approval extended into my daily life. I was a people-pleaser. Every time I made someone happy, it gave me a rush of dopamine. But looking back, I see how I would take these needs to the extreme, by going to the extent of masking my true feelings to avoid burdening others. I pushed down negative emotions, only for them to resurface more strongly. Internally, I battled despair, but on the outside, I put on an autopilot performance—present, but never truly there.

Without realizing the toll this took on my mental health, I brought this pattern to the stage. I couldn’t be honest in my performances because I wasn’t even being honest with myself. How could I fully embody a character when I had built walls around my own emotions? Still, I continued seeking applause, hiding my pain behind comedy because it brought temporary relief. I made my characters into caricatures, thinking that if I could make people laugh, I was succeeding. But in reality, it kept me from unlocking the depth true acting requires.

I thought I was excelling—until the end of senior year. When I left high school and began working in professional productions around Orlando, I had to confront a harsh truth: my “act” was no longer enough. To be a great actor, you don’t act—you simply are. This realization was my worst nightmare. I had spent so much time trying to appear perfect for the sake of performance, but even that act was unsustainable. I had to rely on my true self to seek the validation I was always seeking, but that was not a risk I was ready to take just yet.

Eventually, I confided in my parents, and with their support, I sought therapy. It was a relief, but it didn’t fix everything. I still struggled with the need to please others, to be perfect both in life and on stage. I feared that if I showed vulnerability, people would see through me and judge me. For years, I wrestled with these fears, but with continued support, meditation, journaling, and reassurance from my parents that I am enough as I am, I began to let go of the need to pretend.

No more acts. No more walls. No more pretending to be something I’m not. I’m learning that it’s okay to have bad days and to let others know when I’m struggling. It’s okay to feel down, to not always be energetic. It’s okay to have intrusive thoughts, as long as I remember they do not define me. These are lessons I’ve taken a lifetime to grasp, but better late than never.
With this harsh truth, I also discovered what acting is truly about. It’s not about seeking applause, validation, or cheers from the audience. It’s about pouring your true self into a character, allowing your honesty and vulnerability to shape the performance. When you’re truly present on stage, telling the character’s story through your perspective, you realize that the impact you’re making is real. Acting is not about just entertaining others, but becomes an act of personal expression, a way to share your truth with the world. That is the most fulfilling reward any actor can receive—not just the external recognition, but the deep knowing that your performance, rooted in honesty, is creating a positive change, both for you and the audience.

Ironically, I’ve chosen a career that demands complete authenticity, even as I continue to struggle with it in my personal life. I’ve spent so much time trying to live a “perfect” life, but acting has taught me that perfection isn’t the goal—truth is. I believe it was fate that acting and I crossed paths, because it’s the only thing that could teach me to give myself grace, to embrace my humanity, and to live unapologetically as myself. This is why acting is my true purpose in life.

Now, I’m unlocking a new depth in my performances. I can be more natural, more present, more real—because I am allowing myself to feel. I’m no longer on autopilot. Even though I still struggle with the need to control everything and present the best version of myself, I know I’ll be okay. Acting reminds me that life is not perfect. There will be ups and downs, moments of joy and stress, certainty and doubt. And that’s okay—because I am enough. We all are.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an actor based in Orlando, Florida, and what started as a simple hobby quickly became the heart of who I am. I will never forget the first time I stepped on the stage for my first musical — it was nerve-wracking, exhilarating, and completely life-changing. From that moment, I knew this was something I needed to pursue. Over the years, my understanding of acting has evolved, but one thing has never changed: the pure joy and fulfillment it brings me. Acting continuously challenges me, teaches me about myself, and allows me to step into different stories that leave a lasting impact. Since starting in sixth grade with no experience, I have been part of over 15 stage productions and have worked on various TV and film projects, including short films, commercials, and music videos. Every performance, no matter how big or small, reminds me why I fell in love with this art in the first place.

I continue to fall in love with this art form and hope to use it to create a positive impact on others. Acting has taught me one of the most valuable lessons in life: the importance of being present. I’ve always been someone who gets caught up in the endless “what ifs” of the future, but acting has shown me that it’s okay not to have all the answers. We may not always know what’s ahead, but we do have control over how we embrace the present moment. This realization has helped me live a more peaceful and fulfilling life—one that I’m incredibly grateful for. Through acting, I want to bring stories to life that touch on difficult but necessary topics—stories that help people confront emotions they may have buried, and ultimately remind them that whatever they’re feeling is valid. If I can help even one person feel seen and understood, then I know I’m doing something meaningful.

Acting has been a crucial part of my life and I would say now more than ever. It is something that I see as more than a job, but a lifestyle. The lifestyle of constantly learning from each role has allowed me to grow into a more understanding person, which has brought me a lot of peace into my own personal life.

Alongside acting, I am currently a junior at the University of Central Florida who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Even though my ultimate dream is to work as a full-time actor on Broadway, I knew that if I pursued a college degree, it wouldn’t be in acting. I wanted to expand my horizons and study something more traditional—something that could complement my passion rather than replace it. As someone who has always loved math and has been fascinated by theme parks, mechanical engineering felt like the perfect path. It combines my problem-solving skills with my love for entertainment in a way I never expected. The idea of designing roller coasters, building animatronics, and creating special effects—crafting immersive, life-changing experiences—feels like a second dream come true, one I didn’t even realize I had.

I love that I can pursue a career that may not be traditionally recognized in the arts, yet still make a profound impact on that community—finding ways to still be involved and contribute beyond just performing.

When I’m not studying or acting, I run my own math tutoring service in my community. I started my business about three years ago and have since had the privilege of teaching over 40 kids, ranging from kindergarten math to Calculus 2 Honors. Being able to combine my love for math with making a positive impact is incredibly rewarding. More than just teaching equations and formulas, I love getting to know each student, hearing their stories, and finding ways to make learning more personal and engaging. Every student learns differently, and I enjoy tailoring my sessions to their needs, helping them build both confidence and understanding.

What’s even more special is that tutoring isn’t just a one-way street—I learn from my students just as much as they learn from me. Sometimes, without even realizing it, they share insights or perspectives that stick with me for life. It’s a reminder that no matter how much we grow, there’s always something new to learn from those around us. Knowing that I can offer the same encouragement and support that once helped me succeed in math is incredibly fulfilling, and I couldn’t be happier to give back in this way.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three main things that have shaped and continue to shape my journey as an actor are consistency, giving myself grace, and meditation. While these may seem unrelated at first, they have each played a vital role in keeping me focused, motivated, and grounded in my pursuit of acting.

When I talk about consistency, I don’t just mean “never giving up.” I mean building healthy habits that actively contribute to my growth. I’ve always been a big dreamer—someone who gets an intense surge of motivation for a new goal, only to feel discouraged when I don’t master it immediately. I used to throw myself into acting, expecting perfection overnight, and when I inevitably fell short, I felt like a failure. It took a moment of deep frustration to finally realize that if I kept approaching things this way, I would never truly progress. I was constantly trying to bite off more than I could chew, which left me feeling unaccomplished instead of fulfilled.

Recognizing this pattern was a turning point. I learned that real growth comes from steady, disciplined effort over time. Instead of rushing to “master” a role, I started focusing on the small, consistent steps that would make me a better actor in the long run—reading scripts to expand my repertoire, taking time to analyze each line instead of just memorizing it, and truly understanding a character’s motivations. Progress in any craft happens slowly, and I’ve come to appreciate that every bit of effort adds up. Through patience and persistence, I’ve learned that the process itself is just as rewarding as the result.

Continuing with the next area of skill, I would say that giving myself grace has been a huge turning point for me. Living under the constant pressure of needing to be perfect was exhausting. I used to think that pushing myself beyond my limits would lead to success, but reprimanding myself for what I hadn’t yet accomplished only created a toxic mindset that affected my acting. I sought validation from others, never truly believing that I was enough just as I was, even when I was already casted in the room alongside everybody else.

On a more personal level, I’ve come to realize that I had internalized the idea that if my life issues weren’t fully resolved, I couldn’t perform authentically. In rehearsals and shows, I would pretend I was perfectly okay, hiding my true feelings and making myself feel guilty for not being in a “perfect” state. The constant search for perfection became an unrealistic fantasy that I clung to, despite knowing deep down that it was unattainable. Over time, I’ve learned that giving myself grace means allowing room for imperfection, understanding that I can still be a good actor—and a whole person—even if everything isn’t “perfect” in my day to day life. It’s this acceptance that has helped me become more authentic, not just in my performances, but in life as well.

Lastly, meditation has played a crucial role in my growth. In the short amount of time I’ve started with meditation, it has taught me how to truly live in the moment and appreciate the gift of life. Through it, I’ve come to understand that every passing moment counts, and that we are responsible for how we engage with and utilize these moments. Meditation has also given me a deeper understanding of the emotions I experience—especially the uncomfortable ones and those that can feel more like intrusive thoughts. I’ve learned that it’s okay not to be okay, and this realization has been transformative. It’s a crucial part of humanity that has also shaped my approach to acting. I now see how we can use our present selves—our emotions, thoughts, and experiences—and channel them into a character to tell their story. Our imperfections on stage, even the invisible ones, don’t take away from our performance but make them unique to us and absolutely perfect in their own way. By doing this, we connect with others and remind them of their shared humanity.

In summary, while our journeys may differ and our needs may change based on our circumstances, I would offer this advice: Always remember that you are enough, just as you are. When one door closes, don’t view it as the end—other doors will open in time. It simply means that particular opportunity was a yes for someone else, and when the right opportunity comes, it will be meant for you when it’s truly meant to be. Also, the path to achieving something will never be smooth—it’s filled with frustrations, dark moments, and times when giving up seems tempting. But remembering that these challenges are part of the process, and that they shape us into who we are, can help us stay motivated to slowly and steadily grow in your craft, whatever it may be. Trust that you are where you’re meant to be right now, surround yourself with those who uplift and support you, surrender yourself to your emotions, and, most importantly, continue loving yourself, especially during the toughest of times. At the end of the day, if we can’t rely on ourselves, then who can we truly rely on? It’s essential to treat ourselves with the same kindness and understanding that we offer to others.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

In the musical theatre world, there’s a common question: Are you a triple threat? There are actors, singers, and dancers—but if you want to make it to Broadway, you’d better be ready to juggle all three.

When I started, I wasn’t particularly skilled in any of these areas. Over time, I built a foundation in acting and singing, but dancing was the area I struggled with most. It was easier for me to focus on strengthening my stronger skills, and even though I knew deep down that avoiding dancing wasn’t going to help me in the long run, I decided to avoid the chances of failing. I was choosing to be content with what I knew. This comfortableness came from the fact that basically all of the shows I had done, never required me to be a full on dancer. I was still getting casted in pretty important roles without the need to be an amazing dancer. That was the case until very recently.

Last year, I went to my first official Broadway open call, and it was a reality check like no other. I was excited but nervous—unsure of what to expect. After waiting for hours, I did my singing audition, which was supposed to be 15 seconds but was cut to 8 due to time constraints. It was fast, robotic, and overwhelming, but it also gave me a glimpse of the industry’s reality.

Afterward, I was about to leave when I saw they were about to do the dance call. Thinking I could get by with the skills I had developed over the years, I decided to give it a try. My first red flag came when I realized everyone was wearing proper dance attire, and I wasn’t. Still, I remained confident. But as soon as the choreographer began calling out steps and explaining that everything would be done only once with the expectation of perfection, I knew I was in trouble. Then, we were told we’d perform in front of everyone—sixty people. I knew then that this was for dancers with years of experience, not someone who had just dabbled in choreography. I ended up sneaking out before they called my name. Later, I learned that when my name was called, someone had mentioned I had left. I had never felt so embarrassed in my life. That moment was a wake-up call—it was time to get to work.

At first, I saw the whole experience as a failure. But after talking to family and mentors, I realized it was a blessing in disguise. It was the moment I needed to understand that if I wanted to pursue a career in theatre—especially Broadway—I had to be good at everything. That meant overcoming my fear of dancing and being okay with failing along the way. I knew that those failures would only be temporary and that these would be the moments that would help me grow.

Since then, I’ve attended several dance workshops, and my skills have improved significantly. I still have a long way to go, but I’m grateful for that experience because it taught me a crucial lesson: learning is a part of any journey. If you’re not willing to fail, are you really trying?

For any skill, the key to growth is becoming well-rounded. Investing time in improving areas where you’re lacking is much more beneficial than only focusing on what you already do well. In acting, the more you can offer, the better!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: thecalistenesfuguet
• Facebook: Calistenes Fuguet Duran
• Linkedin: Calistenes Fuguet Duran
• Youtube: Cali_skits
• Other: Personal instagram: @Calistenesf2004Math tutoring instagram: @math_with_Cali

Image Credits

Howard Clifton Photography

Valerie Sims Photography

Eldeen Annette Headshots

Jorge Barba Photography

Tan Vo Photography